
PROVINCE OF ISABELA – In a concerted effort to boost the local economy, the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Aurora and the City of Cauayan utilized the FY 2022 Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive Fund (SGLG-IF) to construct parks in their respective municipalities.


In a dual inauguration ceremony, the Municipality of Aurora conducted a symbolic ribbon-cutting and turnover of the completed 2,062-square-meter Aurora Eco-Tourism Park on March 7, 2024. The morning event was attended by LGU elective officials, led by Vice Mayor Melvin S. Martin on behalf of Mayor Joseph Christian G. Uy, along with functionaries and representatives from the business sector. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) was represented by Regional Director Agnes A. De Leon, Isabela Provincial Director Corazon D. Toribio, OIC-CH Karla Bernadette M. Aldea-Rollan, MLGOO Love Angel Peredo-Zinampan, LGOO II Charles Ferdinand V. Rillera, and delegates from the Regional and Provincial Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU) of Region 2 and Isabela.
During the turnover and inauguration of the FY 2022 SGLG-IF project in Aurora, the LGU expressed gratitude and presented a plaque of appreciation to former Vice Mayor Manuel T. Rivera and his family for generously donating the land where the park now stands.

RD De Leon commended former Vice Mayor Rivera for the donated land, acknowledged the presence of the business sector at the inauguration, and emphasized that the LGU's objective aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s priorities, particularly in promoting health. The eco-tourism park provides an opportunity for residents to gather and engage in social and physical activities, fostering a positive shift in lifestyle.

RD De Leon also praised the strategic partnership between the LGU and the private sector, citing the park's location near the Santiago-Tuguegarao Road for its visibility and accessibility. She thanked Mayor Uy's leadership for effectively utilizing the FY 2022 SGLG-IF for the development of the eco-tourism park and utilizing the FY 2023 Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (FALGU) for constructing a view deck in the same area. These projects, according to RD De Leon, exemplify the dedication and commitment of local officials to good governance. She also highlighted the business sector's support as a testament to their trust and confidence in the elective officials, commending the commendable relationship and coordination between the business sector and LGU Aurora. De Leon pledged support to the LGU and the business sector by providing technical assistance through the DILG Isabela Provincial Office.

PD Toribio expressed her delight at witnessing the strong partnership between the LGU and the business sector. She echoed RD De Leon's statement, noting that it was the Department's first time witnessing private sector support during a project inauguration. PD Toribio envisioned the park being utilized by the LGU and constituents for various activities, emphasizing the need for continued maintenance, a common challenge for some LGUs neglecting completed projects.

Vice Mayor Martin acknowledged the presence and support of the business sector during the project's inauguration and turnover, thanking them for their contributions to the park's development. He credited the project's realization to the timely donation by former Vice Mayor Rivera, aligning with the LGU's vision for an eco-tourism park.


Following the inauguration in Aurora, the DILG Regional and Provincial team traveled to the City of Cauayan for the inauguration of its FY 2022 SGLG-IF funded Banchetto Park. The local elective officials, led by Mayor Caesar S. Dy Jr., welcomed the team, along with functionaries and DILG Cauayan City officers MLGOO Lakambini Salvacion C. Cayaba, LGOO II Deejay Mata, and ADA IV Sunshine Narag.

RD De Leon highlighted the creation of the Banchetto Park as part of Mayor Caesar S. Dy, Jr.'s vision for a new and reinvented Cauayan City, which is in alignment with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s governance model known as Bagong Pilipinas. She emphasized that evening activities in LGUs signify development, listing potential income-generating activities for the park. RD De Leon expressed confidence that increased income would lead to improved living conditions for constituents, consequently raising the trust rating of elective officials and inviting the business sector to invest in the city.

PD Toribio praised Mayor Dy's swift action in implementing the project, expressing pride in Isabela's culture of excellence among LGUs and Local Chief Executives, showcasing the province's governance competence. She pledged support to the City of Cauayan's aspiration to achieve the SGLG for 2024.

The Banchetto Park, inspired by Baguio City's night market, serves as a platform for the LGU, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), to promote local SMEs through StartUp Cauayan. Mayor Dy expressed the LGU's desire to attain the SGLG for 2024, thanking the DILG for its continuous support in bringing out the best in LGUs and responding to the call of public service for constituents.



IO II Louella Marie T. Pader